Russia fines Apple over alleged LGBT propaganda violations

[WORLD] A Russian court has imposed a fine of 7.5 million roubles ($93,500) on U.S. tech giant Apple for three separate violations of the country’s laws on what Moscow refers to as LGBT propaganda, according to a statement from the Moscow courts' press office on Monday.

The fines are linked to Apple’s alleged failure to remove content that Russian authorities claim promotes LGBT themes, which contravenes Russia’s stringent laws on "non-traditional sexual relations." While the specific content has not been revealed, experts speculate that it could involve apps, books, or media available on Apple’s platforms that touch on LGBT issues. This is the latest in a series of steps taken by Russia to intensify control over digital content through its increasingly restrictive censorship laws.

In 2023, Russia broadened its crackdown on LGBT rights by expanding restrictions on the promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations." President Vladimir Putin has framed this as a defense of traditional values, contrasting it with what he describes as moral decline in Western countries.

The amendments to Russia’s "LGBT propaganda" law in 2023 extended the ban to include adult audiences, whereas it previously only applied to content accessible to minors. Critics view the law as part of a larger effort to suppress dissent and marginalize LGBT communities, while Russian authorities maintain that it preserves traditional societal values. The legislation has sparked widespread international condemnation, with human rights organizations decrying it as discriminatory and a violation of free speech.

Moscow's Tagansky Court found Apple Distribution International Ltd. guilty of three administrative offenses, with each violation incurring a 2.5 million rouble fine. Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment sent by email.

This is not the first time Apple has faced legal challenges in Russia. In recent years, the company has been fined for allegedly failing to store Russian user data locally and for not removing content linked to opposition figures. The most recent fines underscore the mounting difficulties foreign tech companies face in navigating Russia's increasingly strict internet regulations, which often conflict with corporate policies on inclusivity and free speech.

During the court proceedings, Apple’s legal representative reportedly requested that the hearings be closed to the public, according to Mediazona. This request means the exact nature of the disputes remained undisclosed.

Such closed hearings are part of a broader trend of secrecy in Russia’s handling of cases involving sensitive political or social matters. Legal experts note that this lack of transparency makes it challenging to evaluate the fairness of the decisions or understand the details of the accusations. Apple’s minimal public response may reflect the company’s struggle to balance adherence to local laws with its commitment to diversity and human rights.

In Russia, the government has branded the "international LGBT movement" as extremist, labeling its supporters as terrorists. This designation opens the door for severe criminal charges against LGBT individuals and their advocates.

Russian courts have also imposed fines on those violating the "LGBT propaganda" law, including online film distributors and executives.